Frank Peter Rupert Hawk was a man who had a significant impact on the world of skateboarding, not only as the father of one of the most famous and influential skateboarders of all time, Tony Hawk, but also as a visionary entrepreneur who helped to shape the industry and culture of the sport.
Early Life and Career
Frank Hawk was born on May 3, 1923 in San Diego, California, according to AncientFaces. He married Nancy Elizabeth Hawk on August 17, 1945 in San Diego, and they had four children: Lenore, Patricia, Stephen, and Anthony (Tony). Frank Hawk worked as a salesman for various companies, including General Electric and Motorola, and was known for his charisma and persuasive skills.
Involvement in Skateboarding
Frank Hawk became interested in skateboarding when his youngest son, Tony, started to skate at the age of nine. Frank Hawk supported his son’s passion and talent, and soon became involved in the skateboarding scene as a manager, promoter, and organizer. He founded the National Skateboard Association (NSA) in 1978, which was the first governing body for competitive skateboarding in the United States. He also helped to create and sponsor many skateboarding events, such as the Del Mar Classic, the Oasis Pro, and the Gold Cup Series. He was instrumental in securing television coverage and corporate sponsorship for skateboarding, which helped to increase its popularity and legitimacy.
Frank Hawk also played a key role in the development of vertical skateboarding, which involves skating on ramps and pipes that simulate surfing waves. He built one of the first vertical ramps in his backyard for Tony and his friends to practice on, and later constructed many more ramps around the country. He also encouraged Tony to pursue his innovative tricks and style, which eventually led him to become the first skateboarder to land a 900-degree spin in 1999.
Legacy and Death
Frank Hawk is widely regarded as one of the pioneers and visionaries of skateboarding, who helped to shape its history and future. He is also remembered as a loving and supportive father, who nurtured his son’s talent and passion. He died on July 27, 1995 in Oceanside, California, from lung cancer, according to WikiTree. He was buried on July 31, 1995 in San Diego. His son Tony dedicated his autobiography to him, writing: “To my dad: Thanks for everything.”
